San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., and with that growth comes increased traffic, congestion, and unfortunately, a higher risk of car accidents.
You might have experienced your share of close calls if you drive through the city regularly. But just like with any other city, some roads in San Antonio are significantly more dangerous than others.
At Crosley Law, our San Antonio car accident lawyers have helped countless clients recover from devastating crashes on these high-risk corridors. We know the roads, and we know how to fight for victims who were hurt by someone else’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash on one of these corridors, we want to help.
Here are some of San Antonio’s most dangerous roads, reasons why they’re so hazardous, and tips on how to help keep you and your family safe.
What are some of the most dangerous roads in San Antonio?
An interactive map from the City of San Antonio’s Transportation Department highlights the most crash-prone roads based on serious injuries and fatal accidents from 2018-22. From this map and other recent data, two roads particularly stand out:
Culebra Road
- Fatal and Serious Injury Crashes (2018-2022): 116
- Length: 15.6 miles
Culebra stretches from downtown San Antonio past Loop 1604 on the far West Side. It’s long, busy, and sees heavy traffic throughout the day. Multiple lanes, speeding, poorly marked pedestrian crossings, and frequent stoplights contribute to driver frustration and serious wrecks.
Unfortunately, the rate of fatal and serious injury crashes on this road has been relatively steady since 2022, with at least 110 in the past 5 years.
“It’s really scary,” resident Beverly Calhoun told KSAT news. “I’m telling my coworkers, please be careful when going home, going to work in the morning. Even my dad—I’m scared for his safety on the road too.”
Bandera Road
- Fatal and Serious Injury Crashes (2018-2022): 38
- Length: 3.7 miles
Bandera Road cuts through dense commercial and residential areas, especially near Leon Valley. With frequent stops, complex intersections, and impatient drivers, it’s become a hotspot for rear-end collisions and left-turn accidents.
Other San Antonio roads targeted for pedestrian safety
While car crashes are common, pedestrian and bicycle accidents also deserve attention.
Zarzamora Street, Fredericksburg Road, and W.W. White Road were recently targeted in a city pedestrian safety campaign that placed life-sized silhouettes at high-risk crossings to raise awareness. Each of these roads has seen a rise in pedestrian fatalities and severe injuries in recent years.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 808 pedestrian fatalities and 106 cyclist fatalities throughout the state in 2023.
Why are these roads so risky?
As Axios notes, many of the most dangerous roads in San Antonio are located on the West and South sides. These areas have historically lacked infrastructure investment compared to the other areas of the city. This can mean:
- Fewer protected crosswalks and pedestrian signals
- Poorer road maintenance
- Insufficient lighting
- Limited enforcement of speeding and reckless driving
Add in growing traffic volumes and distracted drivers, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
Tips to stay safe on San Antonio’s most dangerous roads
You can’t control what other drivers do, but you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones, especially when driving through high-risk areas:
1. Drive defensively
Keep your eyes moving, anticipate the actions of other drivers, and always leave yourself an “out” in case someone does something reckless.
2. Avoid peak traffic times
If possible, adjust your commute to avoid the morning and evening rush hours, when most accidents occur. We know this can be easier said than done for many commutes, though.
RELATED: Who is at fault in a multi-car accident in Texas?
3. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists
Especially on roads like Zarzamora and Fredericksburg, where pedestrian deaths are rising, keep an eye out for crosswalks, bus stops, and school zones.
4. Use caution at intersections
Many serious wrecks happen at intersections, especially when drivers run red lights or misjudge yellow lights. Slow down and double-check before proceeding.
RELATED: Who is at fault in an intersection accident?
5. Know the Roads
If you regularly travel on high-risk corridors like Culebra or Bandera, learn where the most dangerous intersections are and slow down accordingly.
How our San Antonio car accident lawyers help victims injured on dangerous roads
When a crash happens on one of San Antonio’s most dangerous roads, it’s not always just a matter of “bad luck.”
Reckless drivers, poor road design, missing signs, and malfunctioning signals can all play a role. At Crosley Law, we don’t take anything at face value. Our San Antonio car accident lawyers dig deep into the causes of a crash, using:
- Accident reconstruction experts to analyze speed, vehicle damage, and visibility
- Traffic data to uncover patterns and road conditions
- Black box data and surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
- Expert medical testimony to fully understand your injuries and long-term impact
We’ve earned a reputation for going the extra mile to protect our clients and maximize their compensation. Whether that means proving a negligent driver’s fault or showing how poor infrastructure contributed to your crash, we’ll fight to get you results.
RELATED: How lawyers prove fault in car and truck accidents
What to do if you’ve been hurt in a crash on a dangerous San Antonio road
Here are five steps you should take immediately after a car accident:
1. Get Medical Help
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Concussions, whiplash, and internal injuries can take hours or days to show symptoms.
2. Call the Police
A police report is essential for documenting what happened and preserving evidence.
3. Gather Evidence
If you can, take photos of the scene, get contact info from witnesses, and record anything that seems relevant like damaged signs or poor visibility.
4. Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Alone
Insurers are trained to minimize or deny claims. Let your San Antonio car accident lawyer do the talking.
5. Call Crosley Law
The sooner we can begin our investigation, the better. Evidence can disappear quickly, especially on busy roads like Culebra and Bandera.
Car Crash? Call Crosley
Crosley Law knows San Antonio and how to build strong cases that hold negligent drivers—and sometimes even corporations or city agencies—accountable.
If you or someone you love was hurt on one of San Antonio’s most dangerous roads, call Crosley Law today at (210) 529-3000 or use our quick online contact form. We’ll set up your free, no-risk consultation to help you determine your next steps.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
